"Every Member a Missionary"
In our preexistent state, . . . we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. . . . We agreed . . . to be not only saviors for ourselves but measurably, saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, and the Savior's work, but also our work. (John A. Widtsoe, "The Worth of Souls", Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, October 1934, p. 189.)
An important principle of missionary service is the members-those who constitute a "cloud of witnesses (Heb. 12:1) and who may become multiplying factors in building the kingdom of God on the earth.
A Model of Righteousness
At a conference I heard a recent convert to the Church say, while pointing to the stake president sitting nearby: "I am a member of the Church today because this man is a model of righteousness." He explained that the stake president was one of the first men he met after being transferred to his company's home office. During his first days on the job, he mingled with a number of talented business executives; however, it didn't take him long to conclude that the stake president was the most honest, most positive, and most pleasing individual in the group.
One day the convert asked his coworker why he lived such a circumspect life and why he seemed to be a cut above the rest. The response was: "If there is anything distinctive about me, it is my faith-my commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ." Then the stake president added: "Would you like to know more about my beliefs and way of life?"
The invitation was accepted, and the lives of a young man and several family members were changed. All grew to love the one who shared with them precious truths about God and the plan of salvation and other information that constitutes the foundation of a purposeful and happy life. In the process, the stake president provided saving services and advanced the Savior's work by helping to bring one more family into the kingdom of God.
Scriptural Foundations
Even a casual review of the scriptures reminds us that those who have received the gospel have the responsibility and opportunity to share it with others. Following are but a few references worthy of consideration.
An Expectation
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus preached: "Ye are the salt of the earth. . . . Ye are the light of the world. . . . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 5:13-14,16)
A modern version of this commission reads: "For they were set to be a light unto the world, and to be the saviors of men; and inasmuch as they are not the saviors of men, they are as salt that has lost its savor, and is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden under foot of men." (D&C 103:9-10)
There is a saying that where much is given, much is expected (see Luke 12:48; D&C 82:3). A related statement is "That which we willingly share, we keep; and that which we selfishly keep to ourselves, we lose" ("Status Report on Missionary Work", Ensign, October 1977, p. 11). These truisms certainly apply to those who have been privileged to hear and accept the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He who expects his followers to become perfect, "even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" (Matt. 5:48), also expects them to be the salt of the earth, the light of the world, and saviors of men.
True believers, however, cannot share or give away that which they do not already possess. For instance, the sharing of a testimony is merely lip service unless it is an expression of faith that surges from the depths of one's soul. A casual act of kindness has its merits, but when that act is motivated by love and genuine concern for others, it becomes Christian service—service that blesses the receiver and sanctifies the giver.
When one considers thoughtfully the blessings associated with sharing the gospel, one understands the need to fulfill divine expectations.
A Commandment
A modern revelation includes this instruction: "I give unto you a commandment, that every man, both elder, priest, teacher, and also member, go to with his might, with the labor of his hands, to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded. And let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness." (D&C 38:40-41.)
I have wondered over the years whether this scripture inspired President David O. McKay to declare: "Every member a missionary" (in Conference Report, April 1959, p. 122). The words "every man, also member", and "every man to his neighbor" are all-inclusive. No member of the Church, it seems, is exempt from the requirement to share the restored gospel. All are expected to labor, preach, and warn others. A prophet coined the phrase "Every member a missionary", but have the members adopted the practice? This is the real issue.
There is a vast difference between an idle suggestion and a commandment. One is optional, and the other is not. One implies action if time is available and the inclination is strong enough. The other requires action whatever the circumstance, because the Lord provides "means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them" (1 Ne. 17:3). Therefore, it is important that members of the Church remember that it is a commandment, not a suggestion, that they become active participants in missionary service.
Sometimes Church members feel overwhelmed with the assignment to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. "We are so few in numbers," they say, "and there are so many millions among the nations." They wonder whether the work can be done. With such doubters in mind, Elder Boyd K. Packer wrote: "We are commanded to preach the gospel to all the living. . . . We see no way to accomplish this task in our lifetime. Many refuse to listen, some turn away, others resent and even persecute us. Nevertheless we are not released from the assignment to try. We are to do the best we can. If we do, the honest in heart can be found and sifted out of the world." (The Holy Temple [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1980], p. 211.)
A Baptismal Commitment and Covenant
At the Waters of Mormon, Alma taught his humble followers the meaning and significance of baptism. He cited to his listeners a number of commitments made by those who submit to baptism and become members of the Church. Among other things, he emphasized the need for baptismal candidates to demonstrate a willingness "to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in." (See Mosiah 18:8-11; emphasis added.)
I emphasize the "all-ness" of the baptismal commitment. Witnessing of God is not confined to a specific time, place, or circumstance. It is not something to be done once and then forgotten. It is not something to be reserved for a select few. It is not something to be jealously hoarded. Those who enter the Church through the waters of baptism covenant to do what Nephi declared: "For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. . . . And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Ne. 25:23, 26.)
An Imperative Duty
In Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph Smith set forth the duty of Church members in relation to those who had persecuted them so badly. Three times the expression "imperative duty" is used in the instructions given. The third use of the expression seems to carry missionary connotations. It reads: "And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart-for there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it-therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven." (D&C 123:11-13)
While it is true that Church members were counseled to publish the facts pertaining to their persecutions and to overcome the falsehoods circulated about their faith, it is also true that they were obligated to share the truth with those who knew not where to find it. Such action was not to be approached casually but as an urgent and compelling duty. Hence the concluding reminder: "For there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things. . . . Therefore . . . let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power." (D&C 123:15, 17.)
A Warning
"Behold, said the Lord, "I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their sins are upon their own heads. "(D&C 88:81- 82; see also Ezek. 33:6-9.)
The above warning is reminiscent of the warnings given to ancient Israel. In one instance the watchmen were commanded to open their mouths and "to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life. It was emphasized that if the warning were not given, and the man died in his iniquity, the watchman would be held accountable. (See Ezek. 3:17-21, 27.)
In the other instance the "shepherds of Israel were sorely chastised because they fed and clothed themselves but neglected to reach out to the scattered sheep. The indictment against the people of the Lord was as follows: "My flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them. The Lord's response and resolve was: "I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. (See Ezek. 34:1-11.)
It is crystal clear that members of the Church are expected to serve as God's watchmen and shepherds. If they don't raise the warning voice, who will? If they don't seek out the scattered and feed them living waters and nourishing truths, who will?
Nearly a century ago Orson F. Whitney made this timeless statement: "The obligation of saving souls rests upon every man and woman in this Church-if not with equal weight, at least proportionately, according to their strength, their time, their opportunities, their abilities; and they cannot get out from under this responsibility on the plea that it belongs only to such and such persons. Did not the Lord say, through Joseph the Seer, at the beginning of this work, 'Behold, it is a day of warning, and not of many words: Therefore, let every soul that is warned, warn its neighbor'?" (In Conference Report, October 1913, p. 99.)
A Thing of Most Worth
John and Peter Whitmer wanted to know that which would be of most worth to them. Both were told: "I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father." (D&C 15:6)
This scripture, along with the teachings of modern prophets, verifies two related facts: (1) our salvation is intertwined with the salvation of others, and (2) every member of the Church should be a missionary or a savior of men (see D&C 103:9-10). It also brings to mind the words of the poet John Greenleaf Whittier: "Heaven's gates are closed to he who comes alone; save thou a soul and save thine own" ("The Two Rabbins", The Complete Poetical Works of Whittier [Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1894], pp. 91-92; see also 1 Tim. 4:16).
I have used six references which constitute a scriptural foundation for member participation in missionary service. Many other references could be cited. Let it be understood by all Saints that sharing the gospel with others is:
*An expectation
*A commandment
*A baptismal commitment and covenant
*An imperative duty
*A warning
*A thing of most worth
The How-To
I have a thesis that the spirit of missionary service grows as one becomes more and more involved in reaching out to others. One's desire to open his or her mouth or to extend the hand of friendship to another person may be weak or tentative to begin with. But as one engages in a gospel- sharing activity, however insignificant it may seem, a desire to do more bubbles up within one's heart. This is especially true if one's efforts result in the slightest measure of success. As the participation increases from general to more specific actions, the missionary spirit grows stronger and stronger.
My thesis is illustrated in the checklist included here, entitled "How Am I Doing as a Member Missionary?"
1. Live: The missionary spirit stirs and grows when one begins to live the commandments and model the gospel of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind that President Spencer W. Kimball said: "No greater service can be given to the missionary calling of the Church than to exemplify positive Christian virtues in our lives" (in Conference Report, October 1978, p. 7). Moreover, the Apostle Paul advised Timothy: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity (1 Tim. 4:12
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